Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

“Global warming, a serious threat”

PRESSING ISSUE:District Forest Officer B. Sugirtharaj addressing a workshop in Tuticorin.

Tuticorin: Global warming had become a serious threat and a series of programmes were being conducted with the participation of delegates from developed countries to deliberate on reducing the impact of climate change, said B. Sugirtharaj, District Forest Officer. He was addressing a workshop organised by Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Tuticorin, on ‘Climate change and its effect on marine environment' at Holy Cross Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School here recently.

Carbon emission and fossil fuels were the chief cause for global warming and immediate attention was required to mitigate the ill effects of climate change. Since fossil fuels were being used on a large scale, about 2.3 trillion tonnes of carbon had been emitted into the atmosphere in the past 200 years.

With the use of modern technology, more battery-operated vehicles could be used. The impact of gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous dioxide and hydrocarbon, was causing a lot of damage to the earth. Hence, more trees must be grown to protect people from humid weather conditions. Since trees absorbed carbon dioxide, they would play a crucial role in protecting the environment from pollution.

“Due to climate change, the eco system is facing a series of changes. Marine environment is equally important and there was no impact of tsunami in Tuticorin, when other coastal districts were devastated. It was only because of the presence of corals along 21 one islands in the Gulf of Mannar from Tuticorin to Ramanathapuram. Mangrove forestation, which is gaining momentum here, was also instrumental in reducing the impact of tsunami.”

Industrial development was needed but not at the cost of polluting the atmosphere and marine environment. Protection of corals was the need of the hour and students should spread awareness of safeguarding them. The presence of sea turtles was on the decline due to pollution, he added.

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